Week Ending 5th July 2013

This week, children from KS1 and KS2 enjoyed being coached in tennis, by up and coming tennis stars of the future.  Lots of fun was had by all!

On Wednesday, the children joining our first year five class, in September, had a fun-packed day of excitement.  They went swimming at the Leisure Centre; prepared an area where poppies will be sown (to commemorate the hundred year anniversary of World War One next year); gathered produce for the kitchen from the allotment; baked cakes in the kitchen.

This was also induction day for our new starters in pre-school, and we welcomed fourteen Happy Hamsters, who enjoyed exploring all the activities in pre-school ready for the start of their time with us in September.

On Tuesday, there was a whole school Summer Concert, giving children the opportunity to perform and show their singing and instrumental talents.

Barely a dry eye in the house... we would have made a healthy profit, had we charged for tissues!

Diary Date: Open Afternoon - July 9th 3.30 - 5.00pm

Week Ending 28th June 2013

This week everyone has been busy making items for the Village Carnival.  we will, as usual, have a float, based on the theme of "Doctor Who" (no more details as it's top secret until the DAY!)

It's been National Sports Week, so sporty visitors have been to our School.  Tennis  coaches came to install a love for the game in young children (during Wimbledon Week!) and our golf professional spent the day with most of the classes, in turn.

On Wednesday, a team from Sainsbury's came to talk to KS1 and KS2 children about healthy foods.  The children were treated to delicious fruit kebabs, which they all helped to prepare, and pop on to gigantic skewers - think they probably had "Twenty a Day!"  Thank you to Sainsbury's for this treat

Hamsters have also enjoyed preparing tasty snacks - toast and marmalade, banana smoothies, mini pizzas... all for their "Hamsters' Cafe," which has been open for business this week.

Despite the rain on Saturday, the Summer Fayre was well attended and made a healthy profit.  Thanks to ALL who HELPED to make this a special, enjoyable day.

Date for your diary: Open Afternoon 9th July, 3.30 - 5.00pm.

Week Ending 21st June 2013

At last some sunshine this week!  The allotment has sprung to life, as have the flower beds around our School, giving a warm welcome to old and new visitors.  Lots of exciting lessons have been held outdoors.

On Wednesday evening parents came to a presentation about our year five / six plans and expectations.  The evening was also an opportunity for parents to discover which class children would be in for the the academic years 2013/2014, and with which teachers.  Mrs Healy and Mr Wallis provided a delicious range of mini quiches, tempting pineapple upside down cake, and hearty bread pudding.  There was an exciting selection of science experiments, with the "Big Bang" probably being the favourite.

Badgers have been working hard on their Enterprise Extravaganza, for the Summer Fayre.  Rabbits have been overrun by wood lice, who moved even faster than some of our Marathon runners!  Squirrels have been studying Mother Teresa, and were all awarded their own Nobel Peace certificates for specific kind deeds.  Otters have had a busy week doing their Phonics Tests, but have also had a lot of fun creating lovely paper mache heads!

Hedgehogs have moved most things into their new room, and are settling into their bright environment.

Hamsters have enjoyed outdoor fun in the sun.

Remember: Summer Fayre on Saturday 12.00 - 3.00pm.

Week Ending 14th June 2013

Another busy week has flown by, with a very special day trip for the whole School, to Stockwood Park.

Coaches arrived early, and our children set off in sports kit (with packed lunches), full of anticipation and excitement.  Soon we arrived at our venue, and found our seating areas.  The track was amazing and it all felt as though it was an Olympic event!

Here is a sample of photos of our SPORTING DAY!

Week Ending 7th June 2013

The last half-term of the School year has begun, and we have welcomed five new children!

On Wednesday, our Key Stage Two children went swimming for the first time this year, and had an enjoyable morning at the pool.

Choices on Thursday offers some new topics, and all children will rotate to a new choice.  Next Tuesday, there will be a 9 o'clock Sharing assembly, when children celebrate their achievements with invited guests.

Friday was a non-uniform day, when the children were able to wear their own clothes to school in return for bringing in an item for the School Summer Fayre.  We now have a fantastic selection of bottles and sweets for our tombolas, so thank you to everyone for your support - we are looking forward to a successful day on 22nd June!

Some important dates for your diary:

Tuesday 11th June - Sharing Assembly
Thursday 13th June - Stockwood Park Sports Day
Monday 17th June - Fire Brigade Visit Year 2s
Wednesday 19th June - Primary Open Evening
Saturday 22nd June - Summer Fayre
Week Beginning 24th June - National Sports Week
Wednesday 26th June - Visiting Speaker on Healthy Foods
Saturday 6th July - Village Carnival
Week Beginning 8th July - International Week
Tuesday 9th July - Open Afternoon 3.30 - 5.00pm
Monday 15th July - Hedgehogs and Otters Sports Day
Tuesday 16th July - Disco
Friday 19th July - End of Term and Games Day

Week Ending 24th May 2013

The wonderful highlight of this week was our Main School outing to London.  Coaches left School at 9 o'clock, and arrived by the River Thames at 11 o'clock.  Our transport was ready and waiting... so off we went!

 

 Having seen and photographed all the sights, we then hopped back into the coach for a trip to Trafalgar Square, and the National and Portrait Galleries.  The children all enjoyed looking around the galleries, and particularly liked the pictures of the younger members of our Royal Family (William, Kate and Harry) and the portrait of David Beckham asleep!  We were delighted that gallery staff commented on how well behaved our children were - well done children, you were a credit to our school!

The day in the words of one of our Year Two children:
       "On Wednesday we went to London. First we got on coaches and went to London. We went on the M1. When we arrived at London we got on a boat. We saw lots of famous buildings like Big Ben, London Eye, The Gerkin, The Shard, Tower Bridge and lots more! Then we ate our lunch then we got off and got on coaches to the National Gallery and saw alsorts of famous pictures and sculptures. Some pictures were African, some were Indian and lots more countries. It was FANTASTIC! Then we went back home.!

Week Ending 17th May 2013

The kitchen has been extra busy this week, when some of the older children attended after school Cookery club on Tuesday afternoon.  The children made fresh strawberry fruit jellies and were taught the scientific processes of dissolving and filtering, then decorated shortbread biscuits with a selection of icing.  The children worked like professional chefs and had a lovely time.

Cookery Club is open to all Key Stage two children - great value at £2 for an hour of cookery instruction with two teachers - ingredients included - and your child gets to take home what they prepare!

Hedgehogs also enjoyed some cookery fun - they made tasty, healthy fruit smoothies, which tasted delicious!

Badgers Class have been investigating portraiture, as part of our "All About Me" theme, and have created their own self-portraits inspired by the artist Henri Matisse.  They have also been looking at celebrations from different cultures and have shared their experiences of weddings and other celebrations that they have attended.

There was great excitement once again on Thursday afternoon, as our Choices visitor was a lady from the "Birds of Bray," who brought along four owls - two British and two from South America.  The children enjoyed learning all about birds of prey from the UK and abroad, asked lots of question, and were all lucky enough to be able to hold an owl.  It was a truly marvellous experience for the children in this group.

Meanwhile, the Science Choices group had a wonderful time making things explode!  Everyone was asked to stand well back and wear safety goggles... because when mint sweets are added to cola, this is what happens...!

All the science experiments that the children have enjoyed this term, including the coke fountain, can be bought from www.samssimplescience.co.uk.

Reminder: School Trip on the River Thames - next Wednesday!